Sometimes you just have to enjoy the good things in life, even if you are cutting back on fats in your diet. And sometimes you can get what you want without the fat. With this delicious creamy chicken soup, you are treated to the luxury of a cream-filled soup without the cream. It's true. Instead of cream, the richness comes from the pureed rice. You get a delicious, velvety soup without the extra calories.
Based on a recipe by the grand dame of the kitchen, Julia Child, it is a bit hard to believe that she would ever make a creamed soup without cream and butter, but she did. This soup is sure to please the most fastidious foodie and still keep them well within their diet plan. It is also an excellent way to use up leftover rice. Who knew that humble rice could feel like a mouthful of cream?
If you are trying to boost your nutrition levels, this recipe is equally as good with brown rice instead of white. Use your favorite mushrooms. Shiitakes are especially good, though button and crimini mushrooms work just as well in this recipe. This is a wonderful soup to make when you need to use up all that leftover food in the fridge. Last night's chicken works very well. Garnish it with chopped scallions or some chives for a little color.
This recipe is part of our "Heart Healthy Diet Recipe" series.
Ingredients -
2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups white rice, cooked
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
1 ˝ cups chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
1 ˝ Tablespoons shallots or onions, finely minced
3 - 4 Tablespoons clarified butter
Salt, to taste
Ground white pepper, to taste
Scallions, chopped for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Sauté the shallots in butter or oil until they are soft. Set aside.
Heat one quart of chicken stock in a large pan. Set the other aside.
In a blender, combine the reserved stock with the cooked rice and blend until it is smooth. Pour the pureed rice into the pan with the hot chicken stock.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously.
When the soup has the thickness you want, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the mushrooms and shallots; continue to cook until the soup is warmed through.
Garnish with chopped scallions if you wish.
(Serves 10)
Photo Description:
This beautiful white soup is full of flavor. Deep within its depths are the hints of the treasures you will find inside. Tender chunks of chicken and flavorful mushrooms can be found in each spoonful. The garnish of chopped scallions really makes it look elegant. This is a hearty soup that can be served at the most formal of occasions. Serve it on its own with slices of bread for a full meal or use it as an appetizer for a formal meal. Once you taste it, you will add it to your regular menu.
Nutritional Info:
Calories (kcal): 181
% Calories from Fat: 30.8%
% Calories from Carbohydrates: 14.2%
% Calories from Protein: 55.1%
Per Serving Nutritional Information:
Total Fat (g): 6g 10%
Saturated Fat (g): 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3g 12%
Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1g 7%
Cholesterol (mg): 64mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate (g): 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber (g): 1g 5%
Protein (g): 25g 50%
Sodium (mg): 498mg 21%
Potassium (mg): 407mg 12%
Calcium (mg): 37mg 4%
Iron (mg): 2mg 13%
Zinc (mg): 2mg 14%
Vitamin C (mg): 6mg 10%
Vitamin A (i.u.): 630IU 13%
Vitamin A (r.e.): 73 1/2RE 7%
Vitamin B6 (mg): .4mg 18%
Vitamin B12 (mcg): .7mcg 11%
Thiamin B1 (mg): .1mg 6%
Riboflavin B2 (mg): .3mg 17%
Folacin (mcg): 27mcg 7%
Niacin (mg): 10mg 50%